Television

MUMBAI: Cricket South Africa (CSA) may be planning to reduce its franchise fees, as it girds up its loins for for GT20. CSA is in the process curtailing its Twenty20 Global League plans, and will reduce the fees for franchises as it faces declining broadcast rights.

CSA had earlier demanded $5m to lease a Tier One franchise and $3m for the others, but the rates have been brought down since the owners' income expectations have also reduced, Cricbuzz reported.

A reduced figure is also apprehended from the Indian telecast rights, bringing down the owners' expected earnings from their main income source. With player fee bills almost fixed, the 18-man team will cost owners over $1m per season - the only significant expense that can be reduced by franchises is the fee.

While CSA had expected that the Global T20 would give it a dependable income outside of incoming tours from England, India, and Australia, its inability to secure a good rights deal has put the ambitions in a jeopardy.

It is learnt that production costs - that may be around $ 100,000 each for the 57 matches - will be borne by CSA, further cutting into their margins.